The Cork Forest
• Cork Oaks grow very slowly.
• A cork Oak can grow to be 200-250 years old.
• The first Cork is peeled at age 20-30 yrs and subsequently every 9-10 yrs.
• Cork Forests cover worldwide an area of 2.5 million ha, of which 1 million is located in Portugal (1/3 of the country). Other countries cork grows include: Algeria, Spain, Morocco, France, Italy and Tunisia.
The Cork Tree (quercus suber)
• Harvest from the beginning of June to the end of August, possible only every 9 years, 20 times all together.
• The first peeling is called the maiden peeling.
• Peeling requires a lot of experience, only specialists are employed.
• Cork is peeled only from the trunk and from branches of a specified circumference down to the thin reddish parent layer, below which new cork is growing (approx. 1.5-4mm per year)
• 20 % of the bark is left intact to protect the tree from drying up.
• After peeling, the cork bark is stored in collecting areas to dry and stabilize for 6 months.

The Advantages of  Cork  Floors

Environmentally Friendly- Cork Flooring is produced using all natural cork products which are harvested with no waste materials produced. This results in no damage to the tree or the environment in which it is harvested.
Durability- Cork is remarkably resistant to wear, as it is less affected by impact and friction than other hard surfaces because of it cellular composition. Cork flooring offers a 10 yr. Warranty on structure and finish.
Resiliency- When cork is subjected to pressure, the gas in the cells is compressed and volume reduces considerably. When released from pressure cork recovers quickly to its original shape. Cork floors are gentle on your joints and soft underfoot.
Insulation- Because 90% of the tissue consists of gaseous matter, the density of cork is extremely low giving the material wonderful insulating properties, thermal as well as acoustical. Cork floors are warm and quiet underfoot.
Impermeability- The presence of Suberin, an inherent waxy substance, renders cork impervious to both liquids and gases. As a result, it does not rot and may therefore be considered the best seal available. Cork floors are perfect for residential and light commercial applications.
Fire retardation- A natural fire retardant, cork does not spread flames and does not release toxic gases during combustion.
Hypoallergenic- Cork does not attract dust and consequently does not cause allergies.
Electrically Dissipative- Cork flooring does not produce static electricity making it suitable for rooms with electronic equipment and appliances.
Easy to clean- Cork floors can be easily maintained by vacuuming and damp mopping with approved cleaners.